Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!
The most neglected commandment? Well, there are quite a few that we could nominate- love they neighbor, make disciples of all the nations, and many more.
But, I believe the commandment that has been most neglected and the commandment that has had the greatest effect on the state of the church, our country, and the world is from Ephesians 6:4: Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
The greatest effect on the church, country, and world? Yes. And by the way, many who read this will immediately check their own Christian parenting box saying, “I already do this.” But no, I don’t think you do. Let me explain.
If we desire to know exactly what God wants from Christian parents, we must go to the scriptures. Deuteronomy 6 gives explicit instructions from God. In that most defining moment, God gives commandments to parents about raising their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. His commands are specific and thorough and includes a description of the priority of parenting, the intense time and energy commitment that is required, the focus being God in all areas of life, the absolute need to train into children thankfulness to God, and dangers of becoming like the rest of the world.
What will happen to the Israelites if they do not obey God’s commandments by parenting and living their lives like the rest of the world? Fast forward to Deuteronomy 8:19: And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. Like the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.
Later in the life of the Jewish people, they did not obey the Lord and fell in love with the things of the world around them. And perish they did. Not completely, but in essence for many, many years.
I have interacted with Christian parents as part of my job as a school headmaster for 22 years and I can tell you this- most Christian parents are not parenting the way the Lord commands in Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 6:4, the Psalms, Proverbs, and other places in the Bible. Most Christian parents believe they are obeying God by getting their children to church on Sunday and mid-week youth group. In reality, that is barely scratching the surface of God’s design for parenting.
The implications for weak Christian parenting have been disastrous. The generational teaching of the gospel, the worldview training of young Christian minds, God’s design for sexuality, the commitment to Christian marriage, and so much more are at an all-time low after at least 50 years of neglecting the sacred commandments for parenting.
Many Christian parents are so involved with worldly pursuits that they do not have the desire, time, or energy to love what God loves- true Christian parenting. And perish, we are.
Lord willing, I will be writing more about the great need for Christian parents to understand this commandment and the role of church leaders to teach Christian parents not only obey, but to Cherish Ephesians 6:4.
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Last modified: December 8, 2022
